(Deut. 1:8)
Being flexible is another important factor in developing longevity as an armorbearer. That means being willing to change. Most people prefer to be "secure," keeping their own little "worlds" stable with little change. The problem is, it is easy to get stuck in a rut and miss the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
If you look back, you can see that God has moved in a different way in each decade. In the 1960s, the Charismatic Movement came about. The 1970s brought a revival of the office of the teacher. The 1980s brought a new commitment and a call to emphasize local churches. In the 1990s, the Lord turned our attention to the harvest of the lost.
We can see how the Holy Spirit changes direction, and you can see why we need to follow His leading to get into position for the last-day harvest. If you are going to be in the move of God, you must find out where He is moving and follow Him.
You will face many opportunities to make a change, and those changes may come in a way that will require time for you to adjust. In order for us to grow, we must be open to search our hearts and let changes perfect us.
I believe God is challenging us to take steps of faith that we have never taken before. He wants to move us out of our comfort zone to enable us to reach more people. The children of Israel had it made as long as God provided a cloud over them during the day to protect them from the desert sun, a fire at night to warm them, and manna to feed them. But then God said it was time to change. He told them to possess the Promised Land, then took away their "securities" and told them that they were going to have to fight and take the land by faith. What happened? They rebelled in unbelief. They had become too comfortable the way they were.
Your life and ministry will stop dead in its tracks if you do not accept change. If you are going to reach this generation, you will never do it with a mentality that is stuck in a previous decade. We must seek God for innovative strategies and be open to any necessary changes. It may not be easy, but God will give you the grace and enable you to move into your "Promised Land."
- When you look back over your life, do you recall times of great change? Maybe you came to a fork in the road and had to make a choice. Maybe you were forced to make a change that you didn't want to make. How did you feel during those times?
- In looking back, describe the part God played in those changes. Can you see that His hand was upon you, even if you didn't know it at the time?
- Meditate on the following verses, keeping in mind the need to be flexible:
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Ps. 32:8).
"I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual" (Matt. 12:7 MESSAGE).
Heavenly Father, it is so easy to get stuck in a rut, but I know that Your ways are not stagnant. Help me recognize those times when You want me to make changes, and then give me the grace and strength to implement them. When You move, I want to move with You. When You stay, I want to stay with You. Thank You for guiding me with Your eye. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
